Disney World Special Events in 2026 – Your Complete Guide

Planning your Disney vacation in 2026? You’re in for a year packed with festivals, races, parties, and seasonal magic. From marathons to holiday celebrations, here’s the full lineup to help you plan the perfect trip.

Spring Events

🌸 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend – Jan. 7–11, 2026
Includes Goofy’s Race and a Half Challenge, Dopey Challenge, runDisney Kids Races, Walt Disney World 5K & 10K, Half Marathon, and the full Marathon. Expect higher crowds and slower travel between parks.

🎨 EPCOT International Festival of the Arts – Jan. 16 – Feb. 23, 2026
Celebrate visual, performing, and culinary arts across EPCOT. Enjoy Broadway concerts, gallery exhibits, and workshops. Included with regular admission.

👑 Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend – Feb. 26 – Mar. 2, 2026
RunDisney events inspired by Disney Princesses, featuring the Princess Yoga, 5K, 10K, Fairy Tale Challenge, and Half Marathon. Crowds may be heavier around Magic Kingdom and EPCOT.

🌺 EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival – Mar. 4 – Jun. 1, 2026
Spring topiaries, outdoor kitchens, Garden Rocks Concert Series, and a butterfly house make this one of the most colorful Disney festivals. Included with admission.

🌼 runDisney Springtime Surprise Weekend – Apr. 16–20, 2026
Run, yoga, and themed challenges for all ages. Each year brings a new theme for this family-friendly event.

Summer Events

🏖 Cool KIDS’ SUMMER – May 26 – Sept. 8, 2026
Activities and character meet-and-greets across the parks, from dancing with Toy Story friends to games with Goofy.

🍌 Banana Ball at ESPN Wide World of Sports – May 29–30, 2026
Trick plays, diving catches, and on-field fun for sports fans. Limited tickets include food and beverages.

🌊 Disney After Hours – Select dates: Jan. 12 – Sept. 24, 2026
Experience Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, and EPCOT after regular park hours with minimal lines, plus complimentary snacks and beverages. Typhoon Lagoon hosts H2O Glow After Hours during spring and summer (exact 2026 dates TBD).

Fall Events

🍷 EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival – Fall 2026
Sample tapas-sized portions from 25+ international marketplaces and enjoy the Eat to the Beat! Concert Series. Included with regular admission.

🎃 Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party – Select nights in Aug., Sept., and Oct. 2026
Costumes, special entertainment, treat stops, and exclusive parades and fireworks. Separate ticket required.

🏃 Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend – Oct. 22–25, 2026
Combine running events with Food & Wine Festival celebrations, including exclusive post-race parties.

Holiday & Winter Events

🎄 Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party – Select nights in Nov. and Dec. 2026
After-hours holiday party at Magic Kingdom featuring festive parades, stage shows, fireworks, rare character appearances, and themed treats. Separate ticket required.

✨ Disney Jollywood Nights – Select nights in Nov. and Dec. 2026
Celebrate the holidays at Hollywood Studios with DJ parties, Latin street fairs, sing-alongs, and specialty food offerings. Separate ticket required.

🌍 EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays – Nov. – Dec. 2026
Enjoy cultural holiday storytelling, seasonal food, and the Candlelight Processional with celebrity narrators. Included with regular admission.

🐾 Holiday Celebrations at Disney’s Animal Kingdom – Nov. – Dec. 2026
Meet holiday-dressed characters, see the Merry Menagerie puppets, and experience Tree of Life Awakenings – Holiday Edition.

🎬 Holiday Celebrations at Disney’s Hollywood Studios – Nov. – Dec. 2026
Sunset Seasons Greetings projections, snowfalls, Frozen Sing-Along holiday finale, and character dining with Santa Goofy and friends.

🎄 Disney Springs Holiday Fun – Nov. – Dec. 2026
Disney Springs Christmas Tree Stroll, snowfalls, holiday food, drinks, and Santa meet-and-greets.